Essay about Influenza Vaccines - 841 Words

Influenza is an infectious illness that can be spread from one individual to the next. It can be transmitted by means of saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood. It can also be spread by coming in contact with the virus on contaminated surfaces. Influenza is responsible for an average of 36,000 deaths and for more than 226,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. (Davidson, 2007-2009, Davis, 2007). Influenza viruses are divided into three classes. These are A, B, and C. Influenza A and B are blamed for the increases in hospitalization and deaths each year. The aim of receiving an annual vaccine is to prevent spreading infections. Since flu outbreaks vary, it is recommended that individuals receive a vaccination for the flu†¦show more content†¦Additionally, as many as 500,000 chicken eggs per day are needed for the process. Influenza viruses are injected into chicken egg embryos, where they are allowed to incubate and multiply for several days. A machine extracts the virus from the egg, which is then purified and chemically killed and made into the vaccine. (Tenpenny, 2008, Davidson, 2007-2009, Offit, 2008). It takes about eight months for the vaccines to be developed using chicken eggs. If another pandemic were to arise, we would not have access to the vaccines for at least eight months. Moreover, once the vaccines are made, they must be used. Vaccines that are not used cannot be stored and must be destroyed because the vaccines break down. The vaccines do include the three influenza viruses; two against different strains of type A, and one against the type B virus. (Tenpenny, 2008, Davidson, 2007-2009, Offit, 2008). In late spring 2009, the World Health Organization labeled the swine flu a pandemic. In October 2009, President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency when over 1,000 Americans, as well as nearly a hundred children, had died as a result of the swine flu. Unfortunately, we also faced a shortage of vaccines to deal with the outbreak. Responding to the flu outbreak was also slow. In April 2009, the United States federal government authorized production of the swine flu vaccine. Based on prior growth patterns of seasonal flu vaccines, it projected that 120 million dosesShow MoreRelatedInfluenza Vaccines And The Flu Vaccine1519 Words   |  7 PagesInfluenza Vaccines Summary This paper explores published works related to patients who received the flu vaccine who were sixty-five years and older. The evaluated articles examine the effectiveness the flu vaccine had on the patient population of sixty-five years and older in relation to avoiding the flu and pneumonia diseases and hospitalizations, in this group of patients. It has been conceded for years that senior adults age sixty-five and older are at greater risk from an influenza illness andRead MoreVaccine Shortage : Influenza Vaccine922 Words   |  4 PagesInfluenza Vaccine Shortage The influenza virus continues to burden communities across the nation and vaccination has been established as an invaluable prevention measure in efforts to control the infectious disease. The efficacy of the influenza vaccine is reliant on accessible vaccines which provide protection against relevant seasonal viral strains and an adequate supply to meet population needs. 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The pandemic killed somewhereRead MoreVaccine and Influenza Illness Essay1230 Words   |  5 PagesGrant Wade April 22, 2001 Influenza Influenza Influenza, also known as the flu, is a virus that infects the respiratory tract. Although Influenza is not as severe as many viral infections it is almost the worst for viral infections of the respiratory tract. 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